One of the most famous Cusco archaeological complexes among tourists, which has even surpassed the number of visits to the magnificent citadel of Machupicchu this year, is Sacsayhuaman.
It is another monumental marvel of Inca engineering and architecture, which has been declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation and whose construction with cyclopean stones astonishes the world.
For many years, Sacsayhuman has been the main setting for the largest celebration of Cusco’s festive calendar: Inti Raymi.
Sacsayhuaman —Quechua for satisfied falcon— is located 2 kilometers north of the city of Cusco and 3,700 meters above sea level.
In the times of the Tahuantinsuyo, it was the most important place after the residential core of the empire’s capital, as it occupied the head of Cusco’s puma shape, according to the urban design of the city, and was established as the “Sun House” of the Hanan Cusco dynasty, as it was situated on a hill.
Its construction began in the 15th century during the government of Pachacutec, the most outstanding Inca ruler, and was continued under the direction of his successors Tupac Yupanqui, Huayna Capac, and Huascar.
Although the best-known building is the impressive fortress, whose enormous stone walls motivate visitors to take photos, this area is part of the 96 sites that make up the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, which was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation on July 11, 1982, by Law No. 23765.
Sacsayhuaman has a total area of 2,997.26 hectares and its most outstanding archaeological sites include Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Kallachaca, Patallaqta, Amaro-Markawasi and the monumental area or fortress, made up of the bastions Muyuqmarca, Rodadero, and Chinkana.
Recent findings show that Sacsayhuaman was originally built as a ceremonial center, given that several enclosures dedicated to the worship of the sun, moon, water and other deities of the Inca religion were found inside the complex.